Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the Service Air Bag message was intermittently displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that on multiple occasions while driving at unknown speeds, he heard an abnormal beeping sound, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 177,000.
I was driving down the road and I used my blinker then my car shut off while driving, its turned back on in seconds then when I came to a complete stop the car shut off while on drive and it lost communication to the Tcm and it was displaying messages such as "low fuel" and the rpms was at zero
I was driving and came to a stop light while I noticed tge hood was smoking when I pulled over to the side and popped my hood I realized my engine was on fire very small by coolent thermostat when looking under the car I realised there was a puddle of oil
I was driving down the road, when a warning signal went off on my car, a message came up that said "engine power reduced" and my cars acceleration was significantly reduced. I could not go over 10 miles an hour and the car was shaking violently. I pulled into a gas station that I was luckily close to, and the car lurched forward as soon as I put it in park, almost causing me to hit the building directly in front of my parking spot. I turned the car off and let it sit for minute, only to turn it back on and have it act completely normal. I have had 3 different mechanics look at it, and several things replaced and the problem still persists. My car cannot go more than 10 minutes without having this issue, and the next time it happened I was on the freeway and it almost killed me and the person behind me. …
At roughly 110,000 on a gently used 07 Cobalt the internal timing chain broke and rendered the engine useless. The repair - a total motor swap for $5K! After I ran into this problem my wife looked up other reviews on the Cobalt and found out numerous people have had this problem. This is a supper expensive error that Chevy has overlooked and costly for the consumer - us! As with others, I went through all the official recalls such as the ignition and power steering, and then I paid an additional $600 for the fuel system to replace - another notorious problem of the Cobalt, and now this!? Completely unacceptable. If you cant make a car out of quality parts, don't make one at all! Anyways, luckily this happened while we were parked but of course it was very inconvenient plus we had to pay for the tow. …
Brought 2007 Cobalt on 7/09/14. Reported the problem of the vehicle shutting- off on me and no inspection sticker was on the car 7/10/14. They wrote a work order out. Brought the vehicle to archer auto to get work performed and for a inspection sticker. Archer auto kept my 2007 Cobalt for 3 months. Until I called bbb business and filed a complaint. Archer auto said they fix my vehicle but didn't. Archer auto put a illegal inspection sticker on it to pass the emission test. Archer auto returned my vehicle. Then the power steering went out. Brought it to Firestone to get fix. Then later found out there was a recall on the power steering. The 2007 Cobalt was shutting-off on me and losing all power..then I took it back because their was another recall on the vehicle. Then on 9/13/14 the engine shut-off on me. Losing all power , locking the brakes and power steering also. …
I was driving southbound on the lodge freeway in detroit, michigan in snowy conditions. My car stalled and I spent out with no control. I have been driving for many years and I have never had a car stall out on me and spend out of control such as this one. My rear driver's side bumper and fender was crushed. I was unaware of the GM recall until present and had GM disclosed the recall information before I purchased the vehicle (paid in full) with my cash, hard earned money I would have never driven to monroe michigan to get such a vehicle as this could have happened to my wife or daughter. General motors had no right to withhold this information as this could have been fatal. In conclusion, I think GM owes me a refund.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that the vehicle was losing fuel while being driven. While in motion, fuel odors were emitted from the vehicle. In addition, the turn signals stopped working and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to premier Chevrolet Buick GMC (401 s. Loop hwy 59, livingston, tx 7735[phone]) where the vehicle was repaired. After the repair, the turn signal failed and fuel started leaking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer again and a technician stated that the failure was repaired, and nothing could be done because it was no longer covered under the recall. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 300.
My stepbrother had two Chevy cobalts. The first one he wrecked on a country road where he skidded on gravel, his car burst into flames. Fortunately, he was able to get out of the car. He replaced it with another Cobalt. In January 2009 he had another wreck, single car. His car hit a pole and immediately broke out in flames. Unfortunately for my family he was not able to get out, he couldn't get his seat belt undone and the flames were melting the interior causing caustic flames. The policeman broke out the back window to get him out and the policeman was hospitalized from smoke inhalation my brother didn't make it, he died. I believe this should be checked out. I wrote to Chevrolet with no response.
Engine complaints in other Cobalt years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt?
NHTSA has 80 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, 5% of the model year's 1,564 complaints. The component named most often is engine (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 88,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 10 crashes, 4 fires and 6 injuries and 1 death to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.